Asset Corner #90

SHOW KIDS YOU CARE:  LET THEM TELL YOU HOW THEY FEEL. June’s Asset Category: BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS Boundaries are important to young people because they give clear messages about what’s expected. By the same token, caring adults who expect young people to do their best help them to learn good judgment. Every day young people face many options and choices. Boundaries and expectations provide young people with the support they need to choose wisely.

This column’s focus will be on…..Asset #12 – School Boundaries

Make sure everyone knows the rules
All schools need rules. In fact, young people actually learn better when school boundaries—expectations for how they should act—are clear and consistent. Setting these standards isn’t always easy, however, and neither is enforcing them. Many schools struggle with how to discipline students appropriately and effectively. It’s a balancing act in which school administrators, parents, and students play important roles. Working together, families and educators can ensure young people reach their highest potential.

Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who attend schools with clear rules and consequences are more likely to display positive behaviors and attitudes, rather than engage in risky behaviors. About 52 percent of young people, ages 11–18, say their schools provide clear rules and consequences, according to Search Institute surveys. Work to ensure schools help young people focus on positive, rather than negative, behavior.

Tips for building this asset
It’s important for parents to stay involved in their children’s school. Teachers and administrators can help by creating a conduct code at the beginning of the school year and sending it home to parents. Parents can reinforce the rules set by the school. Conflicts may still occur, and when they do, allow everyone—students, parents, teachers, and others in the community—to feel comfortable voicing their concerns and suggesting solutions to the problem. The more families, schools, and communities work together to establish consistent boundaries, the better off young people will be because they’ll know what to expect.

Also try this
In your home and family:
Learn about school boundaries by visiting or volunteering at your child’s school. Ask yourself: Overall, how are students behaving? How do adults and students interact with one another? When conflicts occur, how are they resolved? How do the school boundaries match your home boundaries? When you’re at home with your child, talk to her or him about why school rules are important.
In your neighborhood and community: Understand the local school leaders’ expectations for the behavior of young people in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. If the school handbook isn’t specific, help administrators address the issue.
In your school or youth program: Work with the young people in your school or program to create clear rules and norms about appropriate behavior.

ASSET RELATED NEWS
Attention all parents & high school students, go here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/summer2017bootcampreg to register for a FREE ACT & SAT Test Prep Boot Camp, scheduled for June 26th - 29th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Parma Library on Powers Blvd. This program is funded by MyCom & administered by College Now Greater Cleveland. For more information, contact Michelle Broome Oatman at College Now Greater Cleveland at moatman@collegenowgc.org or 216.241.5587.
Are you looking for details on a youth-related, family-focused program, event or activity? Do you have one that you’d like to promote with a flyer? Visit either of these two pages on the district’s web site to find an event and/or upload your qualifying flyer. www.parmacityschools.org/flyers or www.parmacityschools.org/summer .

The Parma Alumni Association will be hosting its 21st Annual Scholarship/Operating Fundraiser Golf Outing on Friday, June 16th...9:00 am Shotgun start; 4 person, 18 hold scramble; $85/Golfer incls Golf, Breakfast & Dinner; $25 Dinner Only. Go to www.facebook.com/psh.alumni.golf for additional information.
Register now for the Parma City Schools 2nd Annual Parma Way 5K at Tri-C on Saturday, June 17th, proceeds from which will be used to augment after-school programs throughout the District. Open to anyone in our community and beyond, make it a fun, family event by signing up your kids as well as yourselves - and perhaps Grandma & Grandpa would like to walk along too. Online registration is available at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/29845   For more information contact Dawn Allar at allard@parmacityschools.org or Kira Karabonovs at karabanovsk@parmacityschools.org.
Have you registered your child for the library's 2017 Build a Better World Summer Reading Program yet?. The program officially begins on Saturday, June 3rd & registration prizes will be available (while supplies last) beginning then. Visit your local branch in person or register on-line at http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Summer-Reading.aspx
If your organization is looking for a place to meet why not consider the Ridgewood Golf Course Club House. Dave Chuba, the Course Manager is encouraging use of the facility as a way of promoting & re-invigorating interest in this jewel of our community. Give him a call at 440.888.1057 & visit their web site at www.golfridgewoodohio.com
The Collab's (at Hanna Elem on Snow & Chevy Blvd) next Mobile Food Pantry will take place on Thursday, June 8th. Help is needed in the morning (9:00 am) to unload & set-up, and again in the afternoon (2:00 pm) for distribution. During the afternoon distribution UH/Parma Medical Center, Community Health Nurses will be offering FREE blood pressure screenings and a representative from the Parma Health Ministry will be available to help folks apply for prescription assistance.
"Summer Days" at the Collab (Hanna Elementary) is back.  Starting June 12th stop by between 10 am - 2 pm, Monday thru Friday for friends, fun and food. Visit http://www.familycollaborative.com/ for more information.
Contact Bruce Chamberlin, the Collab's Family to Family Supervisor at 440.887.4881 or chamberlinb@parmacityschools.org for more information about these and other programs/services provided by the Parma Area Family Collaborative.

SHARE YOUR ASSET BUILDING IDEAS AND/OR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET CONCEPT BY VISITING THE “ASSET CORNER” FACEBOOK PAGE. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Visit www.parmacityschools.org/character, www.search-institute.org/assets for more information about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them. Or go here  http://www.parentfurther.com/  for great asset-based parenting tips, tricks, activities and ideas.


Gene Lovasy

Community Volunteer/Activist

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Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 8:50 AM, 06.02.2017